Onaka

I love how every trip home brings about new experiences and people. I’ve spent almost all of my summer vacation drinking expensive soy flat whites (and sugary soy lattes from one of the 70 ****bucks on this island) playing Scrabble and doing crosswords that stump me at every pop culture clue. My new friend A, is adamant in kicking my Scrabble ass and the recent scoreboard looks something like this: Em-10, G-2, A-2. In A’s attempt to fulfill his new year resolution of eating healthier, we went to Onaka for dinner one weekday night.

What a treat hidden in Rochester Park aka fancy town! All the other restaurants are of the S$20 average for a main, but this was half the price, with equally lush surroundings (mozzies alert). The menu clearly states vegan, vegetarian, GF, Low-GI, etc. Although it seems slightly geared towards those on a organic health fad (there seems to be a problem with the distinction between “organic” and “vegetarian” here, in which I have chanced upon numerous local bloggers/critics lamenting how bland and boring “organic” food was. Seems like most local organic eateries use the brown rice + veggie bowls, low salt, low GI, no MSG model. Also going off-tangent), I was happy with the options available. With daily specials and eastern and western cuisine, it was hard to pick just one dish.

We started with some Gourmet Dip Platter – Organic Hummus ($6.50), there was plenty of toasted pita and veggies to go around, which I appreciate. I hate fancy places that gives a few miserable stalks of carrot, so you end up having one or two dippers when sharing. I got the Grilled Veggies Bowl ($9.50) (that’s not really its name); grilled zucchini, tomato and tofu on brown rice and miso dressing and nori shreds. I love the miso dressing; I want that on my salads. The dish was otherwise flavourful, but not amazing enough to make me want another one right away.

K got the Veggie Burger ($8.90) which was probably the best dish that night. The chunky patty was chocked full of goodness like black beans and chick peas, on an organic multigrain bun and heaps of salad. I was most impressed by the chickpea mash, lots of flavour, lots of protein! For $8.90, this is well worth its value. The omnis got smoked salmon sammiches.

There is a health food corner inside stocked with imported organic goods, healthy eating tips and leaflets and even cooking classes for all ages. Sadly, none of the delicious-looking desserts are vegan.

Onaka
44 Rochester Park, Singapore 139248
Opening Hours: Mondays to Saturdays 8.30am to 9.30pm
Tel: 6778 0246